Institute of Packaging Professionals from countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa have joined the newly created African Packaging Organisation
The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) has endorsed the creation of the APO, which aims to improve the standard of packaging throughout Africa by various means, including support of its member organisations, building packaging capability in Africa, and seeking to increase trade throughout the continent.
Founder membership of the APO includes Institute of Packaging Professionals (Kenya), Packaging Council of South Africa, Tanzanian Institute of Packaging and Institutes of Packaging in Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia and South Africa (IPSA). All WPO members are also included.
At the first meeting, the Kenyan Bureau of Standards participated as an observer. Joseph Nyongesa, from Institute of Packaging Professionals in Kenya, was elected as its first president and Ahmed Alex Omah, from Institute of Packaging, Nigeria, as first vice president.
Roger Cary-Smith from IPSA, who has served as interim secretary during the formation stages, was confirmed as general secretary of the new organisation.
APO president Joseph Nyongesa told Packaging News: "Packaging is one of the fastest growing sectors in Africa. It is estimated at 10-20%. These countries are encouraging industrialisation and value addition of their products. Plastics is the fastest growing sector generally."
